Two Niagara West Vintages Selected as Official Wines of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

October 25, 2024

Toronto – Two Niagara West vintages have been selected as the official wines of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at the 45th Annual Speaker’s Wine Tasting at Queen’s Park.

In the Legislative Dining Room at Queen’s Park, joined by local grape growers and winemakers, elected Members and staff cast ballots for their favourite wines October 23. Following a vote count and validation of results, the 2022 Cabernet Franc, vintnered by Fielding Estate Winery in Beamsville, was selected as the official Red Wine of the Legislative Assembly, while the 2019 Traditional Method Sparkling Rosé, also from Fielding, was selected as the official Sparkling Wine of the Legislative Assembly.

The tasting event was hosted by Hon. Ted Arnott, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, along with Grape Growers of Ontario.

“Representing a riding with the most independent wineries in the province and a riding that again boasts two official wines of the Legislative Assembly confirms the world class status of our local growers and winemakers,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“I congratulate Curtis and Heidi Fielding and the entire winemaking team at Fielding Estate for their award-winning vintages.”

“As the legacy partner of the Legislature’s annual wine tasting event, Grape Growers of Ontario thanks the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for continuing the tradition of choosing the official VQA wines of the Legislative Assembly for the coming year,” said Matthias Oppenlaender, Chair of Grape Growers of Ontario.

“Our agriculture value-added industry is rooted in the land, and Grape Growers of Ontario looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of Ontario to support Ontario’s grape and wine industry.”

“The wines showcased at this event reflect the connection between 100% Ontario grown grapes and the winemakers who craft them,” said Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of Grape Growers of Ontario.

“We congratulate all of Ontario’s wineries on producing top-quality VQA wines and thank the six wineries who participated in this year’s tasting.”

As official wines of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the 2022 Cabernet Franc and 2019 Traditional Method Sparkling Rosé from Fielding Estate will be served at formal functions at Queen’s Park throughout 2025 and available to be purchased by elected Members and staff at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Gift Shop.